Lee County, Illinois Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lee County, Illinois?
Arrest records in Lee County, Illinois are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/). This legislation establishes the legal framework ensuring government transparency by mandating that official records, including those pertaining to arrests, remain available for public inspection. The Illinois FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public examination unless specifically exempted by statute.
Members of the public may access these records through various authorized channels established by Lee County law enforcement agencies. The public nature of these documents serves multiple civic purposes, including:
- Ensuring accountability of law enforcement operations
- Providing transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enabling citizens to make informed decisions regarding public safety
- Supporting journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice
The Lee County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Illinois state retention schedules as prescribed by the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/).
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lee County?
Lee County arrest records are available through several authorized online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The digital accessibility of these records is governed by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/) which establishes parameters for the electronic dissemination of criminal history information.
The Lee County Courthouse provides certain arrest record information through its online case management system. Additionally, the Lee County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of recent arrests and inmate information that is regularly updated and accessible to the public.
Online access to these records is subject to the following provisions:
- Records may be redacted to protect sensitive information as required by law
- Certain juvenile records may be restricted pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/)
- Digital access may require user registration or nominal processing fees
- Information is provided for informational purposes and should be verified through official channels
Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive criminal history reports typically require formal requests through designated agencies.
How to Look Up Lee County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining Lee County arrest records in 2025. Pursuant to Illinois Public Act 102-0237, which amended certain provisions of the Freedom of Information Act regarding digital access, the following official channels are available:
In-Person Requests: The public may visit the Lee County Sheriff's Office or the Lee County Circuit Clerk to request arrest records in person. Proper identification is required, and standard processing fees apply.
Lee County Sheriff's Office 306 S. Hennepin Avenue Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 284-5217 Lee County Sheriff's Office
Lee County Circuit Clerk 309 S. Galena Avenue, Suite 320 Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 284-5234 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Lee County Circuit Clerk
Online Access: Digital records may be accessed through the following authorized platforms:
- The Lee County Sheriff's inmate lookup system
- The Illinois Department of Corrections offender search database
- The Lee County Circuit Clerk's online case access portal
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment of applicable fees as established by county ordinance
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3(d), agencies must respond to requests within 5 business days under normal circumstances.
Contents of a Lee County Arrest Record
Lee County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by the Illinois Unified Code of Corrections (730 ILCS 5/) and the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/). These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Known aliases or alternative names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical descriptors including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Residential address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including Illinois Criminal Code citations
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Arresting agency jurisdiction
- Case or incident report number
Processing Information:
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint classification data
- Personal property inventory
- Detention facility assignment
- Bond amount and conditions as set by judicial authority
Case Disposition:
- Court appearance dates
- Preliminary hearing outcomes
- Final case resolution (if available)
- Sentencing information for convicted offenses
It should be noted that pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, certain arrest records may be eligible for sealing or expungement, in which case they would no longer appear in standard public record searches.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lee County
The expungement and sealing of arrest records in Lee County is governed by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2). This statute establishes the legal framework through which eligible individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lee County include:
- Arrests resulting in no charges being filed
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
- Successful completion of supervision for qualifying offenses
- Certain non-violent convictions after applicable waiting periods
The formal process requires petitioners to:
- File a Petition for Expungement with the Lee County Circuit Clerk
- Pay the filing fee established by county ordinance (currently $157)
- Serve notice to all arresting agencies and the State's Attorney
- Attend a judicial hearing if objections are filed
The Lee County State's Attorney's Office reviews all petitions and may object within 60 days of filing. If granted, the expungement order requires all agencies to destroy or return all records pertaining to the arrest.
For sealed records (which remain available to law enforcement but not the public), the process follows similar procedures but applies to a broader range of offenses pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(c).
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through:
Lee County Legal Self-Help Center 309 S. Galena Avenue Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 284-5234
The Illinois Office of the State Appellate Defender also provides standardized forms and guidance through their expungement information portal.
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